Adrian Nocum went a point short from tying his career-best game as he starred in the Rain or Shine Elastopainters' first victory against the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Sunday, March 17.
Adrian Nocum powered Rain or Shine's second quarter rampage and sustained his brilliance all the way as the Elastopainters clipped Phoenix, 100-85, to arrest a winless start in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Sunday, March 17.
Nocum fired 28 points that nearly tied his 29-point career-best showing in Rain or Shine's loss to Meralco just two weeks ago.
He buried five triples to highlight his stellar offensive showing while also tallying seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Nocum drew able help from Beau Belga (21 points and 11 boards), Jhonard Clarito (19) and Santi Santillan (eight) in the succeeding quarters after carrying the load for the Elastopainters in a telling second quarter fightback.
Rain or Shine thus broke free from a four-game slump while dealing the Fuel Masters their third loss in four games.
Nocum rifled in 13 points in a pivotal 18-0 run by Rain or Shine in the second that turned a 29-38 deficit to a 47-38 advantage heading to the break.
Belga picked up from there, pouring 12 points, including a pair of triples, to keep it a 14-point game for much of the third quarter.
Nocum then wrapped the frame with six points for a 78-66 lead for the Elastopainters.
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Phoenix, coming off a breakthrough of its own that checked its 0-2 start the last time out, was bent on sustaining its charge as it rallied behind Ricci Rivero and JJ Alejandro in the fourth to close in at 80-86 with 6:50 to go.
But Rain or Shine, hungry for a win after a luckless 0-4 spell, shut the door on the Fuel Masters as they unleashed a 12-3 tear anchored on Clarito's seven points.
Santillan, who struggled for most of the match after dropping career-highs of 31 points and 14 rebounds against San Miguel two days ago, finished with eight points as he came up with a pair of huge baskets in the fourth to stymie the Fuel Masters' counterattack early in the frame.
Rivero scored 16 to lead three others in double figures for Phoenix.